11 October 2025

Lyttelton Historic Walks

Explore Lyttelton's rich history and Antarctic links on a self-guided walk with stunning harbour views - finish with a treat at a local cafe or bar.

Take a self-directed walking tour of historic Lyttelton, home to many Canterbury 'firsts' including the first school, bank, newspaper, pub, Supreme Court sitting, telegraph and more. 

Download a QR code on your phone for one of two walks at the Lyttelton Information Centre and follow the directions provided. The area's history and personal stories will be shared as you move from site to site.

Whakaraupō-Lyttelton holds deep historical significance for Ōtautahi Christchurch and the Waitaha-Canterbury region. The harbour area has played its part in shaping our region's identity from tangata whenua's continuing presence in the landscape, as the Gateway to Christchurch and the Gateway to Antarctica.

Find out about some of the key events and view the heritage sites that remain including Grubb Cottage (1851), the Timeball Station (1876), the Torpedo Boat Museum (1883). 

A reasonable level of fitness is required - walks take 45-60minutes. The walk is on footpaths but includes uphill sections.

  • There are Public Toilets next door to the Information Centre on 20 Oxford Street.
  • Bus Stop on Oxford Street (coming from Christchurch) and Norwich Quay (going to Christchurch). Buses run every 15minutes.
  • Wheelchair users are able to do the route although part of the route is uphill.

Image: Hector the Antarctic Husky

Free
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Take a self-directed walking tour of historic Lyttelton, home to many Canterbury 'firsts' including the first school, bank, newspaper, pub, Supreme Court sitting, telegraph and more. 

Download a QR code on your phone for one of two walks at the Lyttelton Information Centre and follow the directions provided. The area's history and personal stories will be shared as you move from site to site.

Whakaraupō-Lyttelton holds deep historical significance for Ōtautahi Christchurch and the Waitaha-Canterbury region. The harbour area has played its part in shaping our region's identity from tangata whenua's continuing presence in the landscape, as the Gateway to Christchurch and the Gateway to Antarctica.

Find out about some of the key events and view the heritage sites that remain including Grubb Cottage (1851), the Timeball Station (1876), the Torpedo Boat Museum (1883). 

A reasonable level of fitness is required - walks take 45-60minutes. The walk is on footpaths but includes uphill sections.

  • There are Public Toilets next door to the Information Centre on 20 Oxford Street.
  • Bus Stop on Oxford Street (coming from Christchurch) and Norwich Quay (going to Christchurch). Buses run every 15minutes.
  • Wheelchair users are able to do the route although part of the route is uphill.

Image: Hector the Antarctic Husky

Location
Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour Information Centre, 20 Oxford Street, Lyttelton

Event contact

Lyttelton-Whakaraupō Harbour Information Centre
03 328 9093
office@lytteltoninfocente.nz www.lytteltoninfocentre.nz facebook.com/lytteltoninformationcentre

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